Living in Kampala has proven to be quite the hustle for many Ugandans, especially when it comes to saving. Sure, you hear everyone telling you how it’s good to save and all that, but when you get back home and try to implement it, you realise your finances might just not be cut out for the saving game. And that’s the point—no one ever tells you how to actually start saving, or how you could capitalise on simple cost savings here and there… which is where money saving hacks for surviving Uganda’s Kampala hustle come in
So, how do you save money while living in a city that seems determined to squeeze every shilling out of you? Let’s talk practical, real-life Kampala hacks for saving money.
Shop Smart, Not Expensive
Shopping is one of those unavoidable liabilities that will determine how you save, and the trick here is to shop like you are on your last penny. Supermarkets are convenient, sure. But if you’re trying to save, places like Nakasero Market, Owino, and even your local roadside vendor will stretch your money further. Fresh produce, dry foods, even clothes—you’ll find them cheaper and negotiable, as companies to big supermarkets that have fixed prices.
that said, sometimes prices at the supermarket are more favourable when it comes to certain items, so endeavour to make a survey of your nearby supermarkets and see the prices of items you normally use. for example, my nearby supermarket offers the big tube of Colgate, sugar, soap and some fresh produce at cheaper prices compared to my local retailer.
Also, avoid shopping on impulse. Make a list and stick to it. Trust me, the fifth packet of biscuits isn’t as essential as you thought in the moment. And that classy sneaker you just saw a hawker pass by is definitely not a priority right now.
We cover more on this in Why Your Budget Always Fails Before End of Month
Cook at Home, It Saves You Cash in the Long Run
It might be tempting to grab a Rolex on every corner, or that takeaway silver plate of rice at UGX 7,000 every night, because, quite frankly, cooking can be a lot of work sometimes. But daily eating out adds up fast. Look at it this way, that silver plate pilau costs you UGX. 7,000, for a single meal. Multiply that by just 4 meals in a week (eating once a day), and you already have enough to buy UGX. 5,000 charcoal, 1.5 kilograms of rice, and some spices to last the whole week, assuming you are a single person.) Cooking at home is cheaper in the long run.
Pro tip, from a bachelor: Prepare meals in bulk and store them. How? Cook once in the evening for supper and a heavy breakfast to start your day. It saves time and gas.
Buy Household Items in Bulk
Buying in bulk might feel like a big upfront cost, but it’s one of the smartest long-term saving habits you can adopt in Kampala. Instead of buying food, fuel, charcoal, or even gas in small quantities every day, which is often more expensive, consider doing a full household shopping once a month.
For instance, buying a kilogram of sugar daily from your local shop might cost you 4,500 UGX per kilogram, but purchasing a 5kg bag at once from a wholesale shop or supermarket could drop the cost per kilogram significantly. The same goes for items like rice, beans, cooking oil, tissue, and bar soap. Even fuel stations like Total and Shell sometimes offer better rates per litre for those who fill up rather than add ‘ka 30k’ every few days.
And let’s not forget cooking gas—refilling a 6kg or 12kg cylinder is more economical than buying charcoal in small quantities every other day, we all know that 2K charcoal is going to boil two kettles of water at best, now imagine if you have to cook beans. And it works with utilities as well, buy Yaka for the month and try as much as possible to stay within that instead of 5k each week, a monthly data plan, economize, and stay within that instead of buying 3 weekly bundles in one week. Plus, bulk buying saves you from daily temptations to overspend and limits those last-minute impulse purchases.
If you don’t have enough to bulk-buy alone, consider pooling resources with a trusted friend or family member and splitting costs. Teamwork makes the savings dream work…
Cut Down on Transport Costs
If you own a car in Kampala, you already know fuel prices are a budget killer; just one shilling added to the cost feels like a nail to the heart. opt for public transport when you can—taxis, those 1k public buses, or even carpooling with friends. Boda Boda might be fast and convenient, but they’re also pricey if used too frequently.
If you live close to your workplace or wherever you are trying to go, consider walking or cycling. Your wallet and your waistline will thank you at a later time, and before you say you can’t manage, just remember how you used to foot and carry your groceries during the COVID pandemic.
Affordable Housing Choices
Living in the heart of Kampala is great for convenience but brutal on your wallet. Look at slightly outskirt areas like Kireka, Najjera, or even Nansana—rent is more manageable, and you can always balance the distance with smarter transport.
Better yet, share an apartment. Splitting rent and utilities means less strain on your finances; it might affect you in terms of privacy, not to mention the social etiquette required to share living expenses, but it will make life easier.
For those that are starting and don’t need much, look into What is Bedspace? A Cheaper Rent Option for Kampala Workers?
Budget Like You Mean It
The 50/30/20 rule is a great starting point: 50% of your income goes to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings. But in Kampala’s economy, you might have to tweak that to 60/25/15 — or even less, depending on your hustle.
Start small. Even saving UGX. 5,000 a week is better than zero. Use mobile banking apps or saving platforms like Airtel Weza, MTN MoMoSave, or join a SACCO with your friends or workmates. Either way, the idea of saving is not to make you a millionaire overnight, but to prepare you for a rainy day. Small sums eventually add up, and as your income increases, so does your ability to save big.
Be Tech-Savvy
Use budgeting apps like Spendee, Money Lover, or even a simple Excel sheet to track your expenses. When you know where your money is going, it’s easier to plug the leaks.
Also, take advantage of mobile banking offers. Some let you pay bills with zero fees, and others have cashback rewards. Use them.
Know When to Splurge (and When Not To)
You don’t have to live like a monk. Go out, have fun, enjoy life — but be intentional about it. You Only Live Once (YOLO) is only a great excuse if you can afford it, don’t spend on an all-out night bash and then lack supper the next week. Limit your nights out to once a week (for the party goers) or choose pocket-friendly venues. Attend free events, concerts, or just vibe with friends at home. If you have to go out, tell your pals you are budget bad, it’s Kampala, we understand the hustle …but in case you have to bail to maintain your finances, here are 7 Hilarious “lies” Ugandans Use to Dodge Plans.
All in all, spending wisely doesn’t mean cutting out enjoyment. It just means choosing what truly matters.
Bottom Line? Saving money in Kampala isn’t impossible; it just requires intention, discipline, and a few lifestyle tweaks here and there. The little changes, like walking more or cooking at home, stack up faster than you think. Start small, stay consistent, and don’t be hard on yourself if you slip up. We’re all figuring it out in this hustle.
